Pregnancy/Delivery Recovery

[limewave]

Hi everyone,
I'm coming up to the end of my first pregnancy (6 weeks to go!), and have so far enjoyed cycling, walking, and even jogging. Being pregnant hasn't limited me nearly as much as I had anticipated. My concern now is when it's okay for me to begin working out after delivery--assuming there are no major complications. There's a point series in November I'd like to participate in, the first race is 2.5 weeks after my due date and then a race every Saturday in Nov. This is jogging--not cycling. Does this seem like a reasonable goal? Keep in mind, I'm not afraid to walk to the finish if I have to :-)
Thanks!

[Kimred]

This can depend on a couple things. If you have a C-section then a definite No. If you plan on BreastFeeding then probally a No. When I was BF my boobs were so big the first couple weeks and so sore I could barely keep a shirt on let alone put on a sports bra and jog. Also depends on how tired you are. It's hard adjusting to life with a baby who needs your care 24hrs a day!


Enjoy that baby it goes by sooo fast!

Kim

[Irulan]

what does your doc say?
There are recomemndations on resuming activity that you should discuss with your practicioner first, then take the advice of those who have btdt second.

If you have not had a c-section, your practicioner should be able to give you gentle ab exercises that you can do right away. It's a pretty good chance that you'll be exhausted, but walking is always good. There are other factors that you just cannot predict right now. What if you go two weeks over due? That is not uncommon with first babies. Based on my recollections - I had two easy deliveries, but I was breastfeeding babies at night and not getting a lot of sleep, the last thing I'd want to do is be commited to a race series. But that's just me.

irulan

[Surlygirl]

Enjoy your baby, the bike will wait, the babies won't. After 3 c-sections and kids who didn't sleep through the night till 6 months, well, I was just to tired to even think straight. Babies are only babies for such a short time.

[Trekhawk]

The girls are right - enjoy your baby they do grow up so quickly.

Also even if you have a normal delivery you still may feel some tenderness in the nether regions. For such a small bundle babies can throw your life and routine upside down so see how things go and just take each day as it comes. Remember babies sleep when they are tired not when you are. :D

[slinkedog]

I have 4 kids and delivered all of them vaginally. I had really easy deliveries with all of them but one... I had a 4th degree tear and that one took quite a bit longer to heal from than the others with little tearing.

I agree with everyone else that until you are dealing with a baby that eats every two to four hours round the clock (if you are nursing, it can seem like constantly!), you may not feel like doing much else for a while. You need to take care of you. Most of the pregnancy books advocate waiting 6 weeks before resuming regular workouts, but each person is different. Talk to your doctor.

With #4 (easy delivery) I was trying to do a lot for the other kids soon after the birth and I started bleeding profusely (I'm sure you know that you will probably bleed for a few weeks after a normal delivery.) Your bleeding level can tell you a lot. My doc told me to take it easy... my body was telling me that I was doing too much.

So, be careful, listen to your body and most of all, enjoy that new little one!! :)

[KSH]

Hhhuuuummmm... reading all that made me *OK* with not having any kids.

But horray to you strong women who could do it! You certainly are brave for giving birth... and raising kids! :D

[Irulan]

The girls are right - enjoy your baby they do grow up so quickly.

Also even if you have a normal delivery you still may feel some tenderness in the nether regions. For such a small bundle babies can throw your life and routine upside down so see how things go and just take each day as it comes. Remember babies sleep when they are tired not when you are. :D

lol, I remember with #2, I went in for my two week checkup. I had a wonderful midwife, she said, wow, you look great! You can resume relations anytime. But tell your husband I said another 4 weeks.....

[Trekhawk]

Irulan - now Im laughing....everyone should have a midwife like that. :D

[limewave]

Thanks for the info everyone. I guess getting my body back will take a little longer than I thought. I won't let myself feel guilty for not jumping right back into my normal routine and enjoy hanging out with baby Sage instead.

[doc]

One other little fact you need to know. First time parents often don't realize how time consuming taking care of a newborn is. Many mothers find the day to be a resounding success if they managed to both shower and brush their own teeth. Don't set your sights so high that you're disappointed. I know so many moms who planned to make curtains and bake bread and paint the living room... when home on maternity leave. It doesn't work that way. They all laugh about it later.

PS I hope you and everyone else breastfeeds, or at least gives it a try. The formula manufacturers have really pulled a fast one on the american public.

[RebeccaAnn]

doc--exactly right about the shower and brushiing teeth! I remember telling DH "It's not that I don't want to, it's just that I would rather sleep."

Breastfeeding has been great for me and the baby (now almost 16 months), but I have to remember to keep myself hydrated to keep milk production up. Water all day long and 12-20 oz. of Gatorade on most days. I don't think I could have added strenuous exercise that took additional hydration for the first several months. We did start taking walks around the neighborhood fairly early. Pushing the stroller was my main form of exercise until the doctor okayed him for the bike trailer.

I hope we're not scaring you, or anyone planning to have children. It is totally exhausting, completely turns your life upside down, and is absolutely worth it. Just relax and enjoy the baby. Other things can wait.

One piece of advice I wish I'd been better about following: When the baby sleeps, you sleep. Don't try to get anything done after you put the baby down, just take a nap. If you wake up before the baby, then you can start on your to-do list.

[Crankin]

You do not have to give up exercise/fitness just because you have a baby... maybe I am old fashioned, but when I had my kids, the time for me was planned right into my schedule. I don't understand how you can just sit around in your robe all day! Although I probably would not commit to a racing schedule, because you never know if your kid will be sick, etc, having appropriate time to get back into shape and improve your fitness level is important for both your mental health and keeping your stamina up for being a parent. Schedule riding time when you can count on your husband or someone else to watch the baby for an hour. I didn't ride when i had my kids, but I was serious gym rat and did a fair amount of power walking. With baby #1, I was walking within 4 days and doing aerobics in 3 weeks. I went back to work in 6 weeks and kept him at the sitter's an extra hour twice a week, so I could work out. Or, I went at 5:30 AM, since my husband had the AM parent duty (I have to be at work at 7:30). With #2, I pretty much had the same schedule, although I did feel more tired, mostly from meeting the demands of my oldest. Truthfully, I think I had some post partum depression with #1. If I hadn't been able to get out of the house and exercise, I don't like to think what could have happened. Both of my kids were nasty infants, until about 3 months, longer for the second. But, they are normal adults now and I don't think anyone would say they are screwed up because their mother left them to exercise.

[slinkedog]

I hardly think of taking care of a newborn nursing infant as sitting around in my robe all day!! :) I was busy 24 hours round the clock with a kid on my boob or doing something for one of the others or sleeping. Even when it was just one I was constantly busy cleaning, cooking or trying to get a little sleep.

[Surlygirl]

I agree Slinkedog. I don't think anyone was saying don't exercise Robyn, but I don't think you can plan to train for a race. I had my first son 6 weeks early and taking care of a preemie is really exhausting since they nurse every hour or two. My second had reflux so screamed all the time and my third, well he just screamed non stop. I certainly didn't sit around in a bathrobe, I just tried to survive the day.

[Beth-Ro]

limewave said: "This is jogging--not cycling. Does this seem like a reasonable goal? Keep in mind, I'm not afraid to walk to the finish if I have to :-)
Thanks!"

First, congratulations on your new baby! Just think, in 6 weeks (give or take) you'll get to hold your baby for the first time. This is a precious time in your life. They are little for about a blink and a half then...bam...well, my first baby is now 13. How'd she get so tall????

Now as to jogging so close after delivery...here are some things to think about. Your body is going to go through big changes in these last 6 weeks. As your body prepares itself for labor and delivery your pelvic bones will soften and spread. It takes time for those bones to "go back to normal" after delivery.

I learned this first hand shortly (2 months) after my youngest was born in a moms against the kids soccer match at a picnic. My hip was jarred partially out of socket from the running (and I'm using that term loosely :p ). Things just don't tighten back up immediately.

Definitely talk with your doctor at your next visit to see what she thinks.

Best wishes for a healthy new baby!
-beth

[Trekhawk]

I hardly think of taking care of a newborn nursing infant as sitting around in my robe all day!! :) I was busy 24 hours round the clock with a kid on my boob or doing something for one of the others or sleeping. Even when it was just one I was constantly busy cleaning, cooking or trying to get a little sleep.


Im with slinkedog and surlygirl - some people (rare I believe) may be blessed with an infant who sleeps heaps and never cries but most of us have babies who can be demanding and dont know that a schedule exists. My husband was frequently away (military pilot) and we lived across the country from any family so getting time away from baby to exercise was not an option for me. I did however walk with all my babies and swim when my husband was at home but certainly could not have planned on a race training regime.

[singletrackmind]

the first race is 2.5 weeks after my due date and then a race every Saturday in Nov. This is jogging--not cycling. Does this seem like a reasonable goal? Keep in mind, I'm not afraid to walk to the finish if I have to :-)
Thanks!
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/smcr/rofl.gifhttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/smcr/rofl.gifhttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/smcr/rofl.gif

Sorry, c-section and ouchie size H boobs. NO WAY NO HOW it wasn't happening!!! I've finished (and won) a mountain bike race after breaking a collar bone in 2 places on the first lap-I'm not a pain wuss by any means but having Mr. Adorable was a whole new situation. I was able to start walking again within a month and riding a bit after that though with the new 24/7 job I was a bit zonkered. RebeccaAnn's sure right about one thing (ok, everything she said) you SLEEP when the baby does! I had to fight myself on that one because so much seems to fall behind at first but if you don't sleep then, you don't sleep.

[singletrackmind]

Duh, what Beth-Ro said-
CONGRATULATIONS!! on your upcoming bundle of joy! Because no matter what, at some point during the day you're going to be staring into an amazing little face and find your heart's home.

And also-it's been a couple of years for me now. Yesterday I did a 7 mile walk to the library and park (did you know there's no gears on a stroller?) and in the evening pulled a two-seater baby trailer complete with 2 year old and gear into a 9 mile an hour headwind at 15.3 avg. Thanks to that baby trailer I am stronger than ever, though what little sprint I had has suffered. You will return! I don't get as much chance to ride as before and have only lost a little speed. I know 15.3 doesn't sound big but when that trailer stays home I FLY! :D
(I wouldn't trade having my boyo for those extra hours on the bike or faster speed or anything else in the world)

[Irulan]

Here is a really good article on elite female atheletes,training and pregnancy that you might find usefull interesting
http://www.insidetri.com/train/bike/articles/1486.0.html It is written by an MD who is a cat 3 racer.

[limewave]

That's a great article. Thanks for the link! I see my doctor next week and I"ll be sure to ask her opinion about postpartum exercise. She's a marathon runner herself and very serious about her training. I'm so fortunate to have her as an OBGYN who understands my need to stay fit and exercise. The first two doctor's I saw told me to do nothing more strenuous than long walks during my pregnancy--I was really disappointed. But then I found my current doctor. She told me to keep riding my bike until I go into labor. I was thrilled! Plus, I had just got a new road bike (my husband bought me to cheer me up when we first found out we were pregnant) and I didn't like the idea of having to park it for the summer. Our pregnancy was a big surprise. We're thrilled, but when we first found out I was depressed because I knew I wouldn't be able to race this summer. So far, being pregnant hasn't been nearly as horrible as I thought. I can still do most of my group rides and even fit in a run here and there. I've only got six more weeks to go! Riding has been a great way to stay in shape the last few months. I can't wait to start towing a burley around with my little biker chic on board :-)

[Crankin]

I'm sorry if I offended anyone, but I feel strongly about making time for yourself. Jody, my second son was also born early, 4 weeks. He cried constantly. The first one had colic so badly that we had to put him on medication. I couldn't have lived without exercising. Yes, I put my kids on a schedule. I didn't breast feed. I tried with #1, but I hated it and he was really small and was getting nothing. I didn't want to do it to begin with, but I felt peer pressure. Once I made the decision to stop, I felt like a weight had been lifted. He ate every 3-4 hours and my husband was able to do the 1 AM feeding so I could sleep between 9 PM and 5 AM. When I went back to work with the first one my husband sold his business, was finishing his last semester at ASU and he stayed home. It was great. The second was planned to arrive in May, but came in the middle of April (I'm a teacher, so this was very well planned). I went to back to work for the last week of school, but basically was home for about 5 months, as I was on "house arrest" for 6 weeks before the delivery because I went into early labor. I know that most people disagree with what was right for me, but my kids were both planned and very wanted. But, i knew that totally giving up everything that was me wouldn't have been possible. I did have a lot of support from different child care providers and friends and I did need it when my kids became toddlers because my husband travelled a lot. I know that not everyone has a husband who really is an equal parent, but I was married to a real a****** before, and I swore that when I remarried, it would have to be to someone who was going to be an equal partner, or I would not have remarried. Everyone is different. But I feel good that both of my boys saw an example of an equal partnership and they see the contributions that we both made to their upbringing. Probably the best compliment that I have received was from my oldest son who told me that we were very good role models for a marriage.

[susiej]

I'll just repeat what everyone else said:

CONGRATULATIONS! :D :D

Give exercising a try but listen to your body.

Make time for yourself and don't feel guilty about it. Think of it as special bonding time for other people with the baby. ;)

Make time to get out of the house, with or without the baby -- I hate shopping, too many people, but the weekly shopping was a blessing the weeks I was at home with my son. He enjoyed it, I felt like I had a life.

Do what works for you. Co-sleeping? I thought that was completely weird. Guess what worked? Breastfeeding? Ew! Guess what (finally) worked? Returning to work? Leaving the baby with STRANGERS? For me, it was a relief, I felt like my old self. Different things work for different women, and you don't always have all the options you want. I second-guess my decisions and worry about milestones, and it's easy for me to become defensive and argue that what we are doing is right for everyone, not just us.

My you have a birth experience with few complications! May the baby sleep through the night early on and be blessed with a sunny disposition!

--SJ

[singletrackmind]

Well said, Susiej.

Robyn, what susiej said. We are all in our own ways working towards the most important goal of well cared for and much loved children. I wouldn't take one minute of "sacrifice" back from my son, I'm sure the same goes for you and each mother here. I am proud to be a stick-around mom (we're not at home, we're on a bike) and forever grateful to my husband to understand my need to do this though it means we can't afford lots of new junk. My sister is a working mother with a very well-adjusted little girl who couldn't imagine being in my shoes. She did not breast-feed and Taylor spends a lot of time in aftercare. She is a wonderful and healthy kid and my sis is just as good a mom as I am (not to say I'm the bees knees, by far), just with a different style that's worked very well for her. :)

[Trekhawk]

. I know that not everyone has a husband who really is an equal parent, but I was married to a real a****** before, and I swore that when I remarried, it would have to be to someone who was going to be an equal partner, or I would not have remarried. Everyone is different. But I feel good that both of my boys saw an example of an equal partnership and they see the contributions that we both made to their upbringing. Probably the best compliment that I have received was from my oldest son who told me that we were very good role models for a marriage.

Robyn - because some of us said we found it hard to exercise on a regular schedule does not mean our husbands were not equal parents/partners in raising our children. My husband is a pilot and Im afraid getting up to do feeds for me was not a possibility, one because I did Breast feed and two because flying an aircraft without enought sleep is dangerous for him and his crew never mind the people on the ground etc. Everyone finds what works for them when they have children and as we can see by this thread that may differ alot from family to family.

[Surlygirl]

I also had a very supportive husband who put in many hours walking and rocking colicky kids but I breastfed all of them and he had to go to work each day while I stayed home. I also had 3 C-sections, and walking was all I was allowed to do for about 6 weeks and it took that many to recover. You just have to find the right balance and what works for you. Enjoy your baby. They grow up really really fast.

[Kimred]

Nobody here is telling you not to exercise. We are just trying to say 2 1/2 weeks after delivery(if that if she is even on time) might be too much of a commitment. Just don't put to much pressure on yourself to "keep up with the girl nextdoor" enjoy your baby it really does go by to fast! Exercise is extremly important after giving birth mentally and physically just don't push yourself. I exercised all through my pregnancy as well but was still very surprised how out of shape I still was compared to what I used to be. Take it slow or you may also risk injuries. Your body has changed.

I am also very surprised you are still riding your bike outdoors in your last trimester.I would be fearful of falling,after all are balancing a whole new body. Just a thought.

Everybody is different. Just go with your "motherly instincts," There will always be races but your baby will only be a baby for a wee short time. Enjoy him/her , I cannot stress enough how fast it goes! :(

[MightyMitre]

What a great thread! I'm hoping to start a family next year and this has really enlightened me about what life will be like once baby arrives. I too want to keep exercising but I can clearly see the temptation to try and live up to the Uber-mum image, leaping on my bike and riding home from the delivery suite :p
From what most people have said, it sounds like it's important to give yourself permission to take it easy, at least for the first few months. I'm planning to stay healthy and active during pregnancy and after, but I guess I just don't know how I'm going to feel. At least I now know not to feel disappointed with myself if getting dressed is the biggest achievement of the day once junior has arrived! :)

[limewave]

My doctor said I could keep cycling as long as I feel comfortable (and, yes, she knows I mean "cycling" and not just riding my bike around the neighborhood). I've been fortunate that my tummy isn't huge . . . yet. Most people think I'm only 5 months along when they look at me. I can still sit and balance on my bike comfortably. It's much more comfortable than going for walks. My rides are much shorter now--nothing more than 25 miles. And, I don't ride my bike alone or without my cell phone. The only thing I really have to be careful of is overheating and dehydration. No cycling in 90 degree weather, I drink gatorade BEFORE I ride, and bring an extra water bottle.

For anyone else out there that's pregnant or plans on getting pregnant and wants to keep cycling, I recommend getting large or extra large mens cycling shorts. I tried folding my regular shorts down so it wasn't cutting into my stomach, but it was uncomfortable and I kept getting cramps. I finally bought some mens xlarge. I can pull them all the way up to my chest. It's a great support and I haven't had any problems since.

[Kimred]

I personally still would never ride outdoors while in my last trimester. Last year a route I have traveled on a million times a dog took me down. I was only going about 15mph and this little dog who got loose went straight at me under my wheel I had no place to go but down on the concrete HARD! It's way to unpredictable out there and not worth the risk one bit IMO.
I was cycling with 5 others the dog took out one other person all the people there could not have helped me one bit it all happens too fast. Maybe you've never crashed to know how quickly it all happens and how much it hurts!!!!!

To all other pregnant mama's thinking of cycling outdoors I would take all risks involved cars,dogs, and wonder if it's worth it????

[Irulan]

I personally still would never ride outdoors while in my last trimester. Last year a route I have traveled on a million times a dog took me down. I was only going about 15mph and this little dog who got loose went straight at me under my wheel I had no place to go but down on the concrete HARD! It's way to unpredictable out there and not worth the risk one bit IMO.
I was cycling with 5 others the dog took out one other person all the people there could not have helped me one bit it all happens too fast. Maybe you've never crashed to know how quickly it all happens and how much it hurts!!!!!

To all other pregnant mama's thinking of cycling outdoors I would take all risks involved cars,dogs, and wonder if it's worth it????

there are plenty of safer places to ride: paved cycle trails, dedicated bike paths, rail trails, forest roads, non traffic situations, easy singletrack - use your imagination. A fall will most likely hurt you worst than a fetus.

On the first round of pregnancy cycling on another board about three months ago, I found this information in an Australian medical journal

Medical experts who took part in the National Forum on Pregnancy and Sport advised that damage to the womb of the kind that could injure an unborn child is usually associated with forces equivalent to those occurring in a car accident. All medical experts agreed that falls and direct contact of the kinds that occur during contact sports were unlikely to cause damage to the womb or the unborn child. http://www.ausport.gov.au/fulltext/...pub/pisover.asp

irulan

[limewave]

Here is another article regarding cycling while pregnant.

Quote:
"If you do happen to fall, the baby is well protected by the amniotic fluid. Normally, the baby won't be hurt unless the injury to the mother is severe."

http://bicycling.about.com/od/safety/l/aa091797.htm

[Grog]

Actually the baby will probably get much more hurt from a fall if sitting on a baby seat behind you than if inside your uterus!

[MightyMitre]

I personally still would never ride outdoors while in my last trimester.....
To all other pregnant mama's thinking of cycling outdoors I would take all risks involved cars,dogs, and wonder if it's worth it????

I can see where you're coming from Kimred, but if a quick bike ride stops mama-to-be going stirr crazy and getting tense isn't it worth the calculated risk?
I would have thought activities like driving would be just as dangerous, increased speed, big metal box etc?

[Kimred]

ACOG guidelines say to avoid any exercise during the third trimester that can cause even mild abdominal trauma. This certainly includes falling off your bike. Instead, consider pedaling indoors on a resistance trainer, or take up walking during those last few weeks. Even a minor fall could cause separation of the placenta, so if you do crash--especially in the last 20 weeks--get checked by your doctor immediately.

I'v found several websites advising not to cycle outdoors some even advise it as early as the second trimester. Other factors are being around exhaust. Do a quick google.

Also I am not big on trusting studies they do one study it says this, another study says that and cycling outdoors can be very unpredictable to base a study on all factors and conditions. I've been cycling way too long to realize that.

FOR ME I would never take the risk. And I also think it's this boards responsibilty to let others know there are risks and riding outdoors during pregnancy is risky.


There's just to many other safer options to keep fit during this time. Better safe than sorry. That's also another reason I have a bike trailer rather than a bike seat.

[slinkedog]

As one who has had both preterm labor and a miscarriage, I was very cautious about the exercise I chose to do during my last pregnancy. However, that was my decision based on my body's reactions and my past experiences. My doctor was fine with me exercising. He recommended that I continue to do my walking and low impact aerobics as long as I felt good and my heart rate didn't get too high. (I didn't take up cycling until after I had my last child.) His advice was always to listen to my body and call him if I had any questions or concerns. And I should say that I was concerned about another miscarriage or preterm labor, but I also didn't want to get injured while I was pregnant because being pregnant is enough stress on my poor old body!! :)

I guess my decision for me is to always take the safest option when someone else's life hangs in the balance. Everyone has to make their own choice and do what they feel peaceful about. Here's to comfortable pregnancies and healthy babies!! :)

[Irulan]

Get educated, make choices, go with your personal comfort zone. My docs were very supportive of me listening to my body and doing what I needed to do, and that includedalpine skiing and riding a bike until my knees hit my belly.


as for the old acog heart rate thing, that's being questioned as it applies to non atheletes not atheletes, here's the link again:
http://www.insidetri.com/train/bike/articles/1486.0.html

here are links to lots of discussion from women who have felt comfortable cycling throughout their pregnancy, thier choice, might not be right for everyone.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=127916

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=102361

[limewave]

Of course there are risks with everything. Maybe I'm a clutz, but I've tripped walking a lot more times than I have fallen off my road bike. And I agree, I think driving is more risky than riding.

There's also tons of articles/studies supporting road cycling and jogging for the duration of the entire pregnancy. It helps prevent pre-term labor, miscarriage, prepares your muscles for delivery, and helps prevent pre/post-partum depression.

I recommend finding an OB/GYN that works out. I was fortunate enough to find one that runs marathons. She keeps up on all the latest studies regarding exercise and pregnancy because it's important to her. She also has a better understanding of my fitness level and what I am healthfully capable of during pregnancy. She's been wonderful.